Mar 11, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Due to rising raw material costs, Michelman has announced a price increase on paper coatings in the Americas region effective April 5, 2010. The typical increase is 10% and affects all Michelman barrier, functional, and appearance coatings. The actual increase varies depending on grade, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. According to Mr. Bob Poletti, Michelman’s VP-Paper Business Unit, “Raw material prices have been driven up as a result of increased competition for specialty polymers and chemicals across many industries. In order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of Michelman coatings, we have had to pay a premium for these raw materials forcing us to raise our prices a modest amount.” Michelman is a global developer of water-based barrier and functional coatings for flexible film packaging, paperboard, and corrugated cartons; and water-based surface modifiers, additives and polymers for numerous industries including wood care, industrial coatings, inks, fibers, composites, and construction products.